If you have a sweet tooth and love nothing more than a dessert that combines layers of rich flavor and luscious texture, then you are going to absolutely adore this Cherry Chocolate Chip Trifle Recipe. This dessert is a showstopper at any gathering, featuring moist chocolate cake bits contrasted with juicy cherry pie filling and velvety whipped cream, all studded with bursts of mini chocolate chips. Every spoonful feels like a perfect harmony of tart, sweet, creamy, and chocolaty goodness that’s just begging to be savored.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cherry Chocolate Chip Trifle Recipe comes together with a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that each play a key role in creating its irresistible taste and texture. From the rich chocolate cake base to the tangy cherry filling and fluffy whipped cream, every element adds dimension and color to this layered dessert treat.
- Chocolate cake mix: A quick and reliable base that ensures moist, chocolaty layers; homemade cake works beautifully too.
- Eggs, oil, and water: Standard ingredients to bring your chocolate cake mix to life with perfect texture.
- Cherry pie filling: Provides a juicy, tart sweetness that balances the richness of the chocolate.
- Almond extract (optional): A subtle flavor enhancer that adds a lovely nutty aroma to the cherries.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped into soft peaks for a creamy, airy layer.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream just right without graininess.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the whipped cream’s flavor.
- Mini chocolate chips: Little bursts of chocolate crunch nestled inside the trifle.
- Grated chocolate (optional): Perfect for an elegant garnish that adds texture and visual appeal.
How to Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Trifle Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake
Start by baking the chocolate cake according to the box instructions or your favorite homemade recipe. The cake should be moist and rich as it forms the foundational layer of your trifle. Once baked, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before moving on to the next step—this helps prevent the whipped cream from melting later on.
Step 2: Crumble the Cake
Gently crumble the cooled cake into small bite-sized pieces. This texture is key to layering the trifle smoothly, ensuring each spoonful includes cake, cherries, and cream. Don’t worry about making the pieces perfectly uniform; a little variation makes the trifle look rustic and inviting.
Step 3: Prepare the Whipped Cream
In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. The whipped cream should be light yet stable enough to hold the layers. This luscious component adds creaminess and a dreamy contrast to the tangy cherries and dense cake.
Step 4: Enhance the Cherry Layer
For an extra touch of depth, stir in a teaspoon of almond extract into the cherry pie filling. This simple addition lifts the flavor profile beautifully, complementing the cherries’ natural sweetness and the chocolate’s richness in your Cherry Chocolate Chip Trifle Recipe.
Step 5: Assemble the Trifle
Layer your dessert in a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses starting with a generous spoonful of crumbled chocolate cake. Follow this with a layer of cherry pie filling, then a thick layer of whipped cream sprinkled with mini chocolate chips. Repeat the layers until you fill your dish, saving a final whipped cream layer on top. This layering presents a stunning look and ensures every bite has all the flavors mingled perfectly.
Step 6: Garnish and Chill
Finish by decorating the top with grated chocolate and some extra mini chocolate chips for a beautiful and appetizing finish. Refrigerate the trifle for at least one hour to let the flavors meld and the layers set before serving. Chilling also enhances the refreshing creaminess, making this dessert a cool delight to enjoy.
How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Chip Trifle Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the grated chocolate and mini chips, consider fresh cherries or a few mint leaves for an added pop of color and freshness. These simple garnishes elevate the presentation and invite guests to dig in immediately.
Side Dishes
This trifle is rich enough to stand on its own, but if you want to serve it alongside something, light beverages like sparkling water with lemon or a crisp white wine pair wonderfully. A small scoop of vanilla ice cream can add an extra creamy layer of indulgence too.
Creative Ways to Present
Try presenting the Cherry Chocolate Chip Trifle Recipe in clear individual glasses or jars for a charming, personalized touch. Alternatively, creating mini trifles in small glasses lets guests easily enjoy a single serving without fuss. Layering with different size layers or adding nuts between layers provides texture contrast for an unexpected twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover trifle covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days while maintaining the whipped cream’s freshness and the cake’s moistness.
Freezing
Because of the whipped cream and cherry filling, freezing this trifle is not recommended as it can affect texture and cause the layers to become watery when thawed.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is unnecessary and not advised. If you prefer your chocolate cake warm, try enjoying a separate piece alongside the chilled trifle instead.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be a delicious alternative, especially when cooked down slightly with sugar to create a natural syrup. Just make sure they’re softened enough to layer well in the trifle.
Is there a non-dairy substitute for the whipped cream?
Yes, you can use coconut whipped cream or another plant-based whipping cream alternative. Just be sure it whips up to soft peaks, similar to traditional cream, to maintain the trifle’s signature texture.
Can I make this trifle gluten-free?
Definitely. Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix or homemade gluten-free cake in place of regular cake to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive friends while keeping the same delicious taste.
How far in advance can I prepare the trifle?
You can assemble the trifle up to 24 hours before serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully in the refrigerator. Just add any delicate garnishes shortly before presenting.
What can I substitute for almond extract?
If you don’t have almond extract, a little extra vanilla extract works fine. You could also experiment with hints of other extracts like cherry or amaretto flavoring for a unique twist on the Cherry Chocolate Chip Trifle Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Chocolate Chip Trifle Recipe is one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug wrapped in chocolate and cherries. It’s easy to make but utterly impressive to serve. Whether for a holiday, a potluck, or a family treat, I hope you find yourself making this delicious trifle time and again because it truly brightens any occasion.
Print
Cherry Chocolate Chip Trifle Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cherry Chocolate Chip Trifle is a delightful layered dessert featuring moist chocolate cake, sweet cherry pie filling, fluffy homemade whipped cream, and bursts of mini chocolate chips, all garnished with grated chocolate for an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (or homemade)
- Ingredients required for the cake mix (eggs, oil, water)
Cherry Layer
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Whipped Cream
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup grated chocolate (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Bake the chocolate cake as directed on the box or your homemade recipe instructions. Ensure the cake is fully baked before proceeding.
- Cool and Crumble: Allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature to prevent melting the whipped cream later. Once cool, crumble the cake into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Whipped Cream: In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until soft peaks form, indicating the cream holds its shape but is still smooth and light.
- Prepare the Cherry Layer: For enhanced flavor, gently stir the optional almond extract into the cherry pie filling until evenly combined.
- Layer the Trifle: In a large trifle dish or individual serving cups, begin by layering a portion of the crumbled chocolate cake to form the base.
- Add Cherry Pie Filling: Spoon a generous layer of the cherry pie filling over the cake crumbs.
- Add Whipped Cream: Spread or dollop a layer of the whipped cream on top of the cherry layer.
- Sprinkle Mini Chocolate Chips: Evenly sprinkle a layer of mini chocolate chips over the whipped cream.
- Repeat Layers: Continue layering cake, cherry pie filling, whipped cream, and mini chocolate chips until the container is filled, finishing off with a whipped cream layer on top.
- Finish and Garnish: Garnish the top layer of whipped cream with grated chocolate and additional mini chocolate chips for decoration and added texture.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled trifle for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and the dessert to set properly.
- Serve: Serve the trifle chilled for a refreshing and indulgent dessert experience.
Notes
- The almond extract in the cherry filling is optional but adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- Ensure the cake is fully cooled before layering to prevent the whipped cream from melting.
- You can prepare this dessert a day ahead; just cover and refrigerate to enhance the flavors.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with a lower-fat whipped topping, although the texture will differ.
- If you don’t have grated chocolate, chocolate shavings or curls make an excellent garnish alternative.
